Bombers ruckman angers rival over ‘players requesting trades’ claim

Essendon has told off ruckman Sam Draper for comments about the Western Bulldogs and coach Luke Beveridge on a podcast.

Sam Draper's comments about the Western Bulldogs have been criticised.

Essendon players have told off ruckman Sam Draper for flippant comments about the Western Bulldogs and coach Luke Beveridge on a comedic podcast.

The Bulldogs were left unhappy after Draper commented on the club’s future, and whether players would leave due to Beveridge, in the coming trade period.

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Speaking on the Clubby Sports 200+ podcast, where players were pretending to be journalists, Draper said: “I’ve got a big call about the Doggies. If Bevo’s still there, there’ll be some players requesting trades.”

While seemingly a joke, Nine’s Tom Morris reported the comments “caused some issues” for Draper.

An unusual one… In jest or otherwise, this has caused some issues today for Sam Draper.@essendonfc’s leaders spoke to him & reminded him & this is not what the club stands for & humility is important.

The club also contacted the @westernbulldogs, who aren’t happy with what… pic.twitter.com/otZSIwYcFs

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) May 1, 2024

“Essendon’s leaders spoke to him & reminded him & this is not what the club stands for & humility is important,” Morris tweeted.

Sam Draper's comments about the Western Bulldogs have been criticised.

“The club also contacted the Western Bulldogs, who aren’t happy with what Draper said about their coach.”

The Bulldogs sit 11th on the ladder with a 3-4 record after Round 7, amid continued conversations over a number of big-name players who have failed to cement spots in the best 23 this season.

Jack Macrae has made his way back into the senior side but both he and Caleb Daniel have been floated as trade options, while Bailey Smith looks likely to leave the Kennel at the end of the 2024 season with Collingwood the reported frontrunner, ahead of Geelong.

Originally published as Bombers ruckman angers rival over ‘players requesting trades’ claim